Shall this Blog be a channel to express my thoughts to You, my friend.

Oct 9, 2012

Paradise for some, oblivion for many

For a long time I
have desired to go to Sri Lanka. The reason has been the serenity and
peacefulness of this small and culturally rich island. Now, I’m not so certain of
my plans anymore.

People tend to go on
vacations to distant countries where they can fulfill their need for escapism;
daily life needs a healthy break. Picturesque beaches and little umbrella
drinks are what we grave for, and we are willing to pay relatively large sums for
our luxury. At the same time we enjoy our vacation in fancy hotels with
respectable room service the locals usually enjoy a far more moderate life
style.

In 2004 occurred a
deathly tsunami in the Indian Ocean causing 227,898 deaths, the worst tsunami
in history. This horrible incident was a major personal and communal catastrophe
especially for those living on seaside and coastal line of countries like
Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Many lost their livelihood and habitation as
well as families. But the tsunami was not their only tragedy. In Sri Lanka poor
fishermen were in some parts unable to return to their home areas because the
lands were seized by government officials. They said that new buildings were
meant to build on the tsunami cleansed beaches. Tsunami was used as an excuse
to get rid of the rubbish caste. Afterwards
resorts were built for rich people to savor. Sri Lanka is becoming a paradise
for people with wealth. These privatized lands have once been a home of the native
people - but not anymore. We can still do a “once in a lifetime” trip and surf
in dreamlike conditions but the truth behind this bliss is an ugly one.

The situation is
similar for example in Maldives. It faced the same fate as other tsunami
devastated countries, and 106 people died. Infrastructure suffered greatly but
luckily there were companies ready to invest innocuous money so that people
would get their life in order. Those living near the sea suffered drastically
and were moved elsewhere to live. Usually this kind of relocating of deprived is
executed by force; the locals don’t want to move. The most important thing is
to get rid of those who would oppose the chances to gain profits. Companies
want to bring about new customers – and enhance tourism. Money coming in does
not mean a rise for those living in need.

It is funny that
many westerners bemoan how Thailand has become a new age Gomorra where
prostitution flourishes and children are to leave their homes at a very early
age to earn money for their families. Nobody
would do this line of work if they would have a chance to do something else –
poverty leaves no other options. Investors have generated discontent by hijacking
the lands from their previous owners – the people. The people have to adjust to
these new rules and work for these companies as well as benefit from tourism in
any way they can. This creates forms of ethically dubious activity. We should
understand that while we act as tourists with no sense of reality we will keep
on upholding these disturbing conditions.

When I was in Phnom
Penh, the capital of Campodia, I realized how people had taken actions against
businesses with strong agenda to build new houses on the banks of the river Tonlé
Sap. “We are not for sale” were written on the walls of huts belonging to those
living on the premises. I heard that the Chinese were investing respectable
sums of money to restore the glory of this once thriving French built jewel. At
that time I realized how loose business ethics can be. The good of the people
means only little – if none. I bet that soon after these massive buildings have
been built businessmen will flow in and hold important conferences where they
decide what to take next. And tourists feel also safer thanks to the reminders (symbols)
of our civilized world.

Next time you go to
a five star holiday ask yourself; who does it benefit besides my own need to
feel relaxed and privileged.

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About Me

Concerned world citizen who is worried about the world today, tries to be an all-around activist but so far without actual results. Curious spirit who likes to seek true knowledge and be able to contribute something to others. Sees himself as a philosophic weirdo who can still be friends with everyone.